1¾cups[425 ml] coconut creamthe solid layer of cream scooped from refrigerated cans of coconut milk
¼cup[60 ml] passion fruit juicefrom about 3 passion fruits
5egg yolks
¼cup[60 ml] sugar
For the brûlée crust
½cup[125 ml] sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300°F [140°C]. Set a large roasting pan, or a baking pan with high sides, close to the oven, and place 6 ¾-cup [175-ml] capacity ramekins or small bowls into the pan. Divide the mango cubes between the ramekins. Bring a water kettle to a boil and keep warm.
In a saucepan, bring the coconut cream and passion fruit juice to a simmer. Remove from the heat. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until well combined and the mixture is pale yellow. While constantly whisking, gradually pour the hot coconut cream mixture in a thin stream into the egg mixture. Important note: It’s essential to very slowly pour the hot liquid into the eggs to avoid curdling them. Pass the mixture through a sieve and into a measuring cup.
Pour an inch [2 cm] of hot water from the kettle into the roasting pan, around the ramekins. Carefully pour the custard over the mango cubes in the prepared ramekins, dividing it equally. Transfer the roasting pan to the oven, making sure to remain steady so the water doesn’t splash into the ramekins. Bake for 35 minutes or until the crèmes are set around the edges but still a bit jiggly in the center (they will set completely during the cooling process.) Transfer the ramekins to a wire rack (be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water) and let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours, or overnight.
SERVING
Right before serving, sprinkle a generous tablespoonful of sugar over each crème, shaking and swirling the ramekins to spread the sugar layer evenly. The sugar must form a thin, even layer all over the crèmes.
Blowtorch technique: If you’re using a kitchen blowtorch to caramelize the sugar, start with the flame about 6 in [15 cm] away from the surface, constantly moving your hand in a circle over the ramekins. Gradually move closer to the sugar as you start seeing the sugar liquefy. Make sure not to remain in a single spot for too long so you don’t burn the surface. The crackly surface is done when it’s shiny and a lovely golden caramel color. Repeat for all servings. Serve immediately.
Broiler technique: Place a rack at the top position in your oven and preheat the broiler to maximum heat (or turn on the broiler flame if you have a gas stove.) Set the ramekins on a baking sheet and place on the top rack, keeping the oven half open so you can carefully watch over the caramelization of the crust. Because broilers vary in strength and size, you should rotate the baking sheet at least once during the process and even shuffle the ramekins so the crusts caramelize evenly. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, advising your guests that the ramekins are extremely hot.
STORAGE
You can serve prepared crèmes covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure only to caramelize the tops right before serving, or it will soften and loose that lovely crackly quality.
CLEVER TIP
It’s important that the crèmes be served cool or at room temperature. The caramelization process will warm up the crèmes and even liquefy them if they’re heated for too long. If you’re using a blowtorch, make sure to caramelize the crèmes right as they come out of the refrigerator. If using a broiler, place the crèmes in the freezer 20 minutes before caramelizing so they remain at the right temperature and consistency.
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